Synoptic treatment of Dalechampia (Euphorbiaceae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil: distribution, morphology, illustration and new occurrences

Abstract

Euphorbiaceae is one of the largest and more complex families of angiosperms with 6,745 species and 218 genera. Dalechampia comprises approximately 130 species, with pantropical distribution, the genus presents pseudantial inflorescence with bilateral symmetry, and this characteristic differs from the others taxons in the family. Were registered 15 Dalechampia species for Espiríto Santo, of which D. margarethiae until then, it was endemic of state recording here a new occurrence for the state of Minas Gerais. Dalechampia leandrii, D. micromeria, and D. stipulacea constitute new records for the state. After expeditions in the field to observe and collect samples, bibliographic revision, and examination of herbarium specimens, we present a synopsis of Dalechampia from Espirito Santo state, in which we provide morphological illustration, an identification key, distribution maps, and comments about each taxon.

Dalechampia seccoi (Euphorbiaceae), a threatened new species from Southeastern Brazil

“…), three less than in the Cerrado (Pereira-Silva et al 2022). Recent studies in Dalechampia recorded 15 species for the state of Espírito Santo, in addition to the confirmation of a new taxon for science (Mendes et al 2022).…”

“…Dalechampia seccoi was mentioned as possible new species in Mendes et al (2022) can be confused with D. alata, D. erythrostyla, D. pentaphylla, D. purpurata and D. violacea by the involucral bracts pink, magenta or purplish (Table 1 and Figure 5A-F). Dalechampia seccoi, D. alata and D. erythrostyla are similar by the leaf blades deeply 5-lobed but can be distinguished by the involucral bracts 4−5-lobed, pinkish (Fig.…”

“…Another important aspect among the species correlated to D. seccoi is the geographic distribution, where D. pentaphylla has a wide distribution in Brazil (Central-West, Northeast, Southeastern and South), reaching Paraguay and D. alata occurs in Northeast and Southeastern of Brazil (Webster & Armbruster 1991;Mendes et al 2022). Dalechampia seccoi, D. erythrostyla, D. purpurata and D. violacea present a restrict geographical distribution in the country, being D. seccoi in the Southeastern region, while D. erythrostyla and D. purpurata are listed to the Northeast, and D. violacea to the Central-West.…”